Basically it keeps the livewell pumps which are bilge pumps in this application from air locking. when the pump is mounted directly on top of the through hull like mine are now the smallest amount of air causes the impeller to cavitate. With the sea chest the pumps are always submerged in water preventing an air lock.
The plexi lid is removable if you need to clean it out but I have gemlux high speed pickup which should prevent any grass from getting into the chest. The plumbing is rather involved but I think it will be worth it. Right now my pumps air lock anytime I back down hard or I come off plane which is a big pita.
This design was pioneered by Fred Herman from what I understand and is commonplace on the south florida sailfish circuit where they carry hundreds of gallons of live bait.
Many builders such as conch, contender, invincible, weaver, sea vee and others use the sea chest to supply raw water.
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